Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas – Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) has received official notification from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) that its 2024-2025 Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) designations have been approved, based on 2023-2024 school year data. Designated teachers will receive official designation awards at different qualifying levels Recognized, Exemplary, or Master in April from TEA.
This latest initiative emphasizes PSJA ISD’s commitment to recognize, reward, and retain high-quality educators, with 72 % of teachers earning a designation for their outstanding work in the classroom. “To have 1469 of PSJA ISD teachers qualify for the Teacher incentive Allotment is a true testament of effective teachers dedicated to student success in this noble profession”, said Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Elias. Notably, 66 teachers earn over $100,000 annually, and 184 teachers earn salaries between $90,000 and $99,000.
The TIA program, instituted through House Bill 3 during the 86th Texas Legislature, was established with the goal of providing outstanding teachers an accessible pathway to a six-figure salary.
Awarded designations fall into three tiers—Recognized ($3,000 – $9,000), Exemplary ($6,000 – $18,000), and Master ($12,000 – $32,000)—ensuring competitive salaries, particularly in rural and high-needs areas. At PSJA ISD, the number of designated teachers in the Master level are 1059, Exemplary level 246, and Recognized 164. This positions PSJA ISD among the state’s highest for teacher salaries and effective educators.
As part of this, PSJA ISD’s Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) will have generated over $166.3 million dollars in additional compensation for teachers over the aggregate of seven years, directly impacting the local economy.
“At PSJA ISD, we understand that investing in our teachers is investing in our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Elias. “The Teacher Incentive Allotment allows us to retain, attract and reward effective teachers, ensuring our students continue to receive the highest-quality instruction in a conducive learning environment. TIA is elevating the teaching profession and keeping top performers in the classroom.”
TEA processes new designations annually in February and verifies teacher eligibility using TSDS Class Roster Winter Submission data with final TIA award designations released in April. Districts undergo a rigorous data review process, including validation by Texas Tech University and TEA, to ensure accuracy, validity and reliability.
With a focus on excellence in education, PSJA ISD remains committed to creating a supportive environment where educators flourish, and students succeed. “We congratulate our teachers for earning this prestigious designation,” said Dr. Elias. “Thank you to our campus and district leaders for helping us empower our educators and make this opportunity possible. We also want to express our gratitude to our School Board of Trustees for all that they do to help us support our PSJA Family.”
